Coach Whiz's Biggest Challenge thus far...

[82CardsGrad]

I never would have guessed that Whiz's 4th year as our head coach would represent his toughest challenge to date. But I believe it is...

When he took the reigns in '07 the expectations were rightfully bottom-basement low. Yet, he somehow pulled out an 8 win season.
This season, while expectations are not as low as they were in '07, they are universally sub-par. The massive talent loss. The loss of a HOF QB who simply refused to except anything less than perfection from himself and his teammates. The wholesale changes on the o-line... The loss of a rare warrior in Boldin. All serious stuff.
But, IMHO, the biggest situation is the QB situation. It is clear to me that after 2 preseason games, Whiz and this team are not at all comfortable or sure who should be the opening day QB. Sure, it will be Matt. But I truly believe that Whiz and the team are not at all confident about it. Worse, I actually believe Matt himself isn't confident about it.
Full disclosure, I have never been (since the second we drafted him) enamored with Matt. He is so Not the kind of QB, the kind of field general I prefer. I dunno - Matt might turn this whole situation around and surprise the heck out of me. But, my doubts about him grow with each passing day.

In all fairness, had Warner remained with the team, he too would have his work cut out for him with the 2010 edition of the Cards. However, it's at times like this when the coaches are looking for the leader to emerge and confidently step up. The players are as well. And IMO, what they see is a guy who, while he's had the luxury of learning from great leaders llike Kurt, Whiz, Haley, Fitz, Boldin, as he patiently waited for His Time to come, continue to stumble and continue to give off a very indifferent, apathetic aura. Matt is simply not the kind of take charge leader who, from the minute he steps on the field commands your attention and the attention of his teammates. He's just not.
Doesn't mean he can't be successful. But it does mean that it makes Whiz's job that much more difficult.

Coach, you are clearly facing your stiffest challenge you've yet to face as a Head Coach. I have absolutely NO DOUBT that you are up for the challenge. That you have everything one would need to successfully battle and then emerge from this challenge as a winner. I hope, somehow... some way, you can instill that inner toughness, grit and unwavering commitment to succeed in the body of #7. If not, we just might be seeing a lot of Derek Anderson this year.

 

[Duckjake]

In all fairness, had Warner remained with the team, he too would have his work cut out for him with the 2010 edition of the Cards.

I don't think so. If Warner had stayed I doubt the offensive line would have changed so drastically. Which is really the only major project for the coaches I see so far.

It's like a basketball team and we just added a new shooting guard and moved our shooting guard to small forward, added a new power forward and moved our power forward to Center. Like Buckybird said it's going to take work and time to get those guys in sync.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I don't think so. If Warner had stayed I doubt the offensive line wouldn't have changed so drastically. Which is really the only major project for the coaches I see so far.

So you're saying Warner stays and there is no Faneca? Not sure about that Duck. Also, I would say there are several other projects for our coaches. Secondary. Inside Linebacker. Punt Returns. Should be an interesting season to say the least...

 

[Zeno]

Biggest worry to me right now is the OL, no QB or RB will look good behind that mess they are currently running. If a QB has no time and a RB has no holes it is a disaster. That better get fixed quickly.

 

[Buckybird]

I don't think so. If Warner had stayed I doubt the offensive line would have changed so drastically. Which is really the only major project for the coaches I see so far.

It's like a basketball team and we just added a new shooting guard and moved our shooting guard to small forward, added a new power forward and moved our power forward to Center. Like Buckybird said it's going to take work and time to get those guys in sync.

You've listened Duck. I've been worried about mass changes on the Oline all offseason!!! So far, they have made me look genuis. All for one guy who is near the end & a liablity in the passing game.

 

[Duckjake]

So you're saying Warner stays and there is no Faneca? Not sure about that Duck. Also, I would say there are several other projects for our coaches. Secondary. Inside Linebacker. Punt Returns. Should be an interesting season to say the least...

Yes I think if Warner comes back the offensive line stays the same with Bridges at LT and there is no Faneca because I believe the Cards brought Faneca in to assist in the transition to more running.

Not as worried about ILB as I was before seeing Washington play.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Yes I think if Warner comes back the offensive line stays the same with Bridges at LT and there is no Faneca because I believe the Cards brought Faneca in to assist in the transition to more running.

Not as worried about ILB as I was before seeing Washington play.

We'll never know I guess... As for Washington, he's a star in the making. But, he is a rook and tonight was a differnet deal than last week for Washington... He still has a long way to go.

 

[conraddobler]

No one is more happy with Whiz than I am but he puzzles me in how he deals with Matt, I for one would change up how I was with at least him, he's tried the imperial leader thing with Matt for years, it don't work, maybe that's by design because he wants him gone but if that's the case I'd of signed better alternatives.

Matt is the dude, if he goes down in flames this year so do we, so I'd figure out a way to get him feeling right, so far I see zero evidence that's going on, which IMO is one thing I have an issue with Whiz on.

It's not that I want Matt to be the QB either, but if you're going that route then go that route, DA is not IMO good enough for that route.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Biggest worry to me right now is the OL, no QB or RB will look good behind that mess they are currently running. If a QB has no time and a RB has no holes it is a disaster. That better get fixed quickly.

Agreed.

Even though last night was pretty poor in a lot of areas, my biggest concern is that we have 7 NFL quality lineman and can't find 5 of them that can run a running play with effectiveness.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Even though last night was pretty poor in a lot of areas, my biggest concern is that we have 7 NFL quality lineman and can't find 5 of them that can run a running play with effectiveness.

Sure is puzzling that we have Grimm for an Oline coach and the Oline can't get on the same page for running plays.

 

[stewdog1]

While I'm not pleased with Leinart right now, let's not forget both Fitz and Doucet were out and Beanie did not even get in the game. Your top 3 offensive weapons (not including Breaston) were not even available to Matt.

I know it's preseason, but the guy needs to show some sort of emotion out there. Players fed off the fire of Warner. Matt is way to passive right now in his emotions. Maybe that will change come game 1 of the season, but that is not something a football player turns off and on.

He better turn up the intensity or Anderson will be starting pretty soon. As in game 1 starter.

 

[Evil Ash]

While I'm not pleased with Leinart right now, let's not forget both Fitz and Doucet were out and Beanie did not even get in the game. Your top 3 offensive weapons (not including Breaston) were not even available to Matt.

I know it's preseason, but the guy needs to show some sort of emotion out there. Players fed off the fire of Warner. Matt is way to passive right now in his emotions. Maybe that will change come game 1 of the season, but that is not something a football player turns off and on.

He better turn up the intensity or Anderson will be starting pretty soon. As in game 1 starter.

Warner did in the preseason and the first game of the season last year. He looked defeated and ready to retire right then and there. However he turned around and lead us to the playoffs again and had one of the best games I've seen a QB have ever.

It can be done. He needs to be a leader during game 1 and beyond but I don't give a damn if he's rah rah during a meaningless game

 

[stewdog1]

Warner did in the preseason and the first game of the season last year. He looked defeated and ready to retire right then and there. However he turned around and lead us to the playoffs again and had one of the best games I've seen a QB have ever.

It can be done. He needs to be a leader during game 1 and beyond but I don't give a damn if he's rah rah during a meaningless game

To some extent, but with Warner, you could see that fire simmering inside just waiting to jump out. Leinart? Meh. You don't see that in him.

 

[Evil Ash]

To some extent, but with Warner, you could see that fire simmering inside just waiting to jump out. Leinart? Meh. You don't see that in him.

You were watching a different guy then I was last preseason then. Warner looked done. The first game of the year against the 49ers, he looked like he didn't want to be there (and well played like it too). Again he turned it around but he looked awful during last preason with his body language and play.

As for Leinart he showed that spark just last season in a game that mattered against those same Titans team where he rallied the team to take the lead and almost won the game if not for our awful D. If he shows that same body language that he's showing now in the regular season then I'll be concerned but until that point it doesn't matter to me

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Biggest worry to me right now is the OL, no QB or RB will look good behind that mess they are currently running. If a QB has no time and a RB has no holes it is a disaster. That better get fixed quickly.

Big +1.

 

[Big D]

Well IMO Whis took the break him down and build him back up approach with Leinart. However as good a job as he's done with the breaking him down part of that (footwork, film study, sitting and watching, ect) he hasn't really done a very good job of the building him back up part especially as it relates to his confidence.

Obviously there is only so much a coach can do and Matt is ultimately responsible for his play but to me he just doesn't look like the same guy that we drafted out of SC anymore. We all saw little glimpses here and there of what Matt could potentially be in his rookie season but it seems like it has been a steady regression under Whis since then. I think there is real talent in there, somewhere, but it's going to take a big effort from the coaching staff to get the most out of Matty and continually put him in the best positions to get his swagger back and let that talent shine.

I was watching Hard Knocks the other night and coach Martyball had a very interesting comment on coaching and developing young QBs. Referring to Sanchez he said something along the lines of if you have a QB come in and play at a certain (decent) level as a rookie just getting him to play at that same level the following year means you made progress. That made me immediately think of Matt and what has happened since that '06 season.

 

[THESMEL]

Whiz's biggest challenge is between his ears. He is allergic to a balanced game plan even in preseason. treats Matt and Beanie like punks. Every body wants Matt to show anger and act unsportsman like like DD, Matt won't do it, and He shouldn't. whis needs to take responsibility for not challenging the spot of the ball, throwing a bomb and starting an undrafted free agent WR on 3rd and less than 1, while Beanie Wells sets on the bench watching THT dancing with the Stars. Sorry AW and Fitz are the only drafted Cards signed long term since Whiz arrived 4 years ago! Dennis Green signed Hayes and DD before He left. We have SB caliber talent to sign but no we chase 33 year old ex Steeler busts and pay them the lion share of our open cap space. 1 year tenders for over half the team, Just wait until next year, every year!

Whiz and graves got a nice new top 5 contract, the team is at the mercy of an Ownwers strike. whiz's play calling, game managment, contract problems, treating players like punks, playing head games, lets see how Matt responds to me blowing off a TD in practice? Lets throw a bomb on 3rd and 1 to an undrafted rookie and see if Matt can manufature a first down and get momentum in the game, Lets put Our top 10 all time running back on the bench and start Rookie THT to get the team destroyed in the 2nd half of 08, We must struggle into the SB on purpose with a rookie getting 2,8 yards a carry, and lets keep him a starter for 2 more years after we draft the meanest SOB RB since Jim Brown! yea lets see how this works out for us. Whiz gets what He gives!

Matt is a great QB, The Bean is a great RB, Fitz is an Elite HOFFER WR. Lets see how much we can screw them up! Whiz will stay dissapointed and it's on him!

thought i was finished Ranting but am not. I'm angry at the changes in the Oline afte 3 years together, We went to the playoffs last year with Bridges and the SB before that, and that line is intact, but no we have to stay up late night to create ways to make life tougher on Matt Leinert to see how he respoinds. Oh yea the defense gave up 45 points a game last playoffs as our best players couldn't wait to refuse outr top money go somewhere player freindly to play for a Fan base that
loves their teams, their good and their bad till death do they part.

I'm sure that was the enviroment Pete Carrol wanted to manufacture as Matt backed up 1 and won 2 NCAA Championships, lost the 4th to VY last minute! broke many pac 10 records including busting Elways 77 TD's record with 99! Matt leinert is not ther problem with the Arizona Cardinals, He is the solution just like The Bean and Fitz. And Whiz don't need to say he takes responsibility, Grimm and Whiz need to shut up and Fish.

 

[DieHardCardFan]

Biggest worry to me right now is the OL, no QB or RB will look good behind that mess they are currently running. If a QB has no time and a RB has no holes it is a disaster. That better get fixed quickly.

Exactly!!!

 

[DieHardCardFan]

Whiz's biggest challenge is between his ears. He is allergic to a balanced game plan even in preseason. treats Matt and Beanie like punks. Every body wants Matt to show anger and act unsportsman like like DD, Matt won't do it, and He shouldn't. whis needs to take responsibility for not challenging the spot of the ball, throwing a bomb and starting an undrafted free agent WR on 3rd and less than 1, while Beanie Wells sets on the bench watching THT dancing with the Stars. Sorry AW and Fitz are the only drafted Cards signed long term since Whiz arrived 4 years ago! Dennis Green signed Hayes and DD before He left. We have SB caliber talent to sign but no we chase 33 year old ex Steeler busts and pay them the lion share of our open cap space. 1 year tenders for over half the team, Just wait until next year, every year!

Whiz and graves got a nice new top 5 contract, the team is at the mercy of an Ownwers strike. whiz's play calling, game managment, contract problems, treating players like punks, playing head games, lets see how Matt responds to me blowing off a TD in practice? Lets throw a bomb on 3rd and 1 to an undrafted rookie and see if Matt can manufature a first down and get momentum in the game, Lets put Our top 10 all time running back on the bench and start Rookie THT to get the team destroyed in the 2nd half of 08, We must struggle into the SB on purpose with a rookie getting 2,8 yards a carry, and lets keep him a starter for 2 more years after we draft the meanest SOB RB since Jim Brown! yea lets see how this works out for us. Whiz gets what He gives!

Matt is a great QB, The Bean is a great RB, Fitz is an Elite HOFFER WR. Lets see how much we can screw them up! Whiz will stay dissapointed and it's on him!

thought i was finished Ranting but am not. I'm angry at the changes in the Oline afte 3 years together, We went to the playoffs last year with Bridges and the SB before that, and that line is intact, but no we have to stay up late night to create ways to make life tougher on Matt Leinert to see how he respoinds. Oh yea the defense gave up 45 points a game last playoffs as our best players couldn't wait to refuse outr top money go somewhere player freindly to play for a Fan base that
loves their teams, their good and their bad till death do they part.

I'm sure that was the enviroment Pete Carrol wanted to manufacture as Matt backed up 1 and won 2 NCAA Championships, lost the 4th to VY last minute! broke many pac 10 records including busting Elways 77 TD's record with 99! Matt leinert is not ther problem with the Arizona Cardinals, He is the solution just like The Bean and Fitz. And Whiz don't need to say he takes responsibility, Grimm and Whiz need to shut up and Fish.

Might wanna lay off the bottle. This post is full of inaccurate statements.

 

[THESMEL]

lets discuss

I'll discuss it? i'm 16 years sober. what is inaccurate?
Has Whiz called a balanced game in Arizona? closest was the Pittsburg Game in 07 when both Matt and Kurt played, and we smoked them!

Why is Whiz tripping up Leinert on purpose? Why is Grimm changing a successful Oline? Why is THT starting when He is only better in a 70% pass game, running in passing situations?

Why did you call me a liar and a drunk?

Might wanna lay off the bottle. This post is full of inaccurate statements.

 

[DieHardCardFan]

I'll discuss it? i'm 16 years sober. what is inaccurate?
Has Whiz called a balanced game in Arizona? closest was the Pittsburg Game in 07 when both Matt and Kurt played, and we smoked them!

Why is Whiz tripping up Leinert on purpose? Why is Grimm changing a successful Oline? Why is THT starting when He is only better in a 70% pass game, running in passing situations?

Why did you call me a liar and a drunk?

Well first off I did not call you a liar or a drunk.

As for the inaccurate statements. I am not going to take the time to completely disect your post. But Wells is not the Cards top 10 all time RB. And THT is not a rookie. Dennis Green did not sign anyone. And Whis have given this team a 8-8 season a 9-7 season and a 10-6 season. So somehow I dont think his problem is between his ears because he did not take a a single snap.

And look I agree with alot of what you are saying. I did not like the way he handled Matt in this game or the first one. Personally I think Matt will be just fine, but it sure could not have hurt to let him play long enough to feel like things were coming together. But I guess I am reserving some of that judgement for later as Whis has always played Pre-season odd in my book.

Oh yeah and lets give credit where it is due, the Oline looks like crap so it is not fair to bash THT and praise Wells as neither did a damn thing in this game.

 

[Buckybird]

I'll discuss it? i'm 16 years sober. what is inaccurate?
Has Whiz called a balanced game in Arizona? closest was the Pittsburg Game in 07 when both Matt and Kurt played, and we smoked them!

Why is Whiz tripping up Leinert on purpose? Why is Grimm changing a successful Oline? Why is THT starting when He is only better in a 70% pass game, running in passing situations?

Why did you call me a liar and a drunk?

1) The strength of the Cards for the last 2 seasons was Kurt & the WR's!!! Period!!! Which lead to a potent passing game & a Super Bowl while covering up a suspect defense. Wiz played to the strengths of what he had at the time.

2) You really believe Wiz is looking to purposely tripping up Leinart to see him fail? Gimme a break Thesmel. If thats the case Wiz would have signed Campbell or McNabb in the offseason & dumped Leinart.

3) I'm really don't think Grimm is the only one responsible for changing the Oline, I think the HC & Graves also had some say. Who would you put at LT with the release of Gandy? I'm not sold with Levi at LT either but we really didn't have a choice & it was his natural position in college. The signing of Faneca led to the moving of Wells to the right side with the issues of Deuce. Deuce will be back probably in week 1. Keith has been raved upon by the staff & others for a few years now though he hasn't had much game experience. Again, what other options do they have? Bridges isn't a starting T in this league & neither is big Herm...

4) I want Wells to start at RB also, but I understand too a point why he isn't. Right now THT is a better blocker & receiver in the passing game. Beanie's day is coming...

 

[THESMEL]

appreciate

I appreciate that
Edge was the top 10 all time RB benched in 08 I was talking about, THT was a rookie then. and we sucked up the NFL getting blown out and destroyed by many teams. I only mentioned it because of Whiz's behavior.
I can love Whiz and not like his behavior.

Kurt or no Kurt we are going to throw like our hair is on fire.

I checked transitions from now back to Whiz's hiring. Fitz and AW are the only drafted Cardinals signed, and they are both no brainer elite signs,
I couldn't beleive it but it's true, Bridges got 3 years, Kurt got paid last year, Porter got 3 years 18 million at 33, Faneca got 2.5 mill added to his 5.5 mill from the Jets, Laboy, Mcfadden, Ross, Morey earned his pay with a ST pro bowl.

SendLein, Deuce, Breaston, others ignored Dansby Franchised twice, Q traded, Rolle released prior to CB money last year, LD released, Half the team is up for contract next year again and only AW and Fitz are elite core signed long term that were drafted by the Cardinals.

Please let me know if there is another, Francisco maybe? BUt DD and Hayes were signed before Whiz.

Whiz is reponsible to have this team ready to play ball,
ARE THEY? not even close to ready, surprised by Blitzen Titans Matt made great decisions and throws under huge pressure with - yardage help from the run game. Breaston learned about the first yard marker, and He can't crap a yard like Q could. They all learned but Whiz has to share some responsibility.

Start The Bean and see if He starts with 5 carries for 3 yards in Chicago!
I will shut if He does!

Matt outperformed everybody else on starting offense so lets dogg on him! He's went 8-11 and trusted his playmakers that didn't come through. Matty did his part.

sorry I misunderstood your compliment
Put the bottle down and inaccurate statements and all. That usually means liar and drunk when youir straight up.
But all is good in my world.

Well first off I did not call you a liar or a drunk.

As for the inaccurate statements. I am not going to take the time to completely disect your post. But Wells is not the Cards top 10 all time RB. And THT is not a rookie. Dennis Green did not sign anyone. And Whis have given this team a 8-8 season a 9-7 season and a 10-6 season. So somehow I dont think his problem is between his ears because he did not take a a single snap.

And look I agree with alot of what you are saying. I did not like the way he handled Matt in this game or the first one. Personally I think Matt will be just fine, but it sure could not have hurt to let him play long enough to feel like things were coming together. But I guess I am reserving some of that judgement for later as Whis has always played Pre-season odd in my book.

Oh yeah and lets give credit where it is due, the Oline looks like crap so it is not fair to bash THT and praise Wells as neither did a damn thing in this game.

 

[THESMEL]

yea

Well as far as I remember Edge Started and gave a steady threat of run game grinding and we put the weak NFCW away early in 08 and We benched Edge, went to crap in a handbasket. Edge was reinserted and put up 100 yards against the seahawks, ran well several times in a row before every play action spectacular catch that Fitz made in the playoffs. Had a chop block called in the SB, that was a bad call because it was at the waist and the olineman was not engaged up top. We struggled passing almost every down from there on and lost the sB in the last minute, Give or take a 99 yard stupid interception return TD that should have been a run at the end of the first half.

But yea 600 pasess to 325 runs by THT and Wells last year was a digression. Seeing how The Saints top passing attack offense ran more than the passed. Even The Colts ran more than us with PM. The Vikes Were close to balanced but ended up passing like their hair was on fire and losing.

Whiz was proud of calling that practice TD back to see how Matt responded. yea thats tripping him up on purpose. for sure, I'm sure Matt has other things to worry about like The Titans! passing on 3rd and 1 with Beanie Wells on the team is the stupidest stoop that ever stooped. when your young QB put you in position to sustain a drive against a good defense Blitzing every down. Not to mention its Monday Night Football and every Media body and their brother has made kicking Matt Leinert in the teeth their hobby. Sounds like a plan to me.

Our best Oline option is back too what we had for 3 years with Keith battling Bridghes for the start and Faneca Battling Deuce. Sorry Deuce is winning but Whiz won't pull the trigger on Faneca. Grimm Might Grimmgets what Grimm wants but its personality over principle on that one. faneca has his moments but Deuce is younger, stronger and more powerfull with 2 playoffs and a SB under his belt. It's a great battle against 9 time probowler in a row, but Deuce has out blocked Faneca.

1) The strength of the Cards for the last 2 seasons was Kurt & the WR's!!! Period!!! Which lead to a potent passing game & a Super Bowl while covering up a suspect defense. Wiz played to the strengths of what he had at the time.

2) You really believe Wiz is looking to purposely tripping up Leinart to see him fail? Gimme a break Thesmel. If thats the case Wiz would have signed Campbell or McNabb in the offseason & dumped Leinart.

3) I'm really don't think Grimm is the only one responsible for changing the Oline, I think the HC & Graves also had some say. Who would you put at LT with the release of Gandy? I'm not sold with Levi at LT either but we really didn't have a choice & it was his natural position in college. The signing of Faneca led to the moving of Wells to the right side with the issues of Deuce. Deuce will be back probably in week 1. Keith has been raved upon by the staff & others for a few years now though he hasn't had much game experience. Again, what other options do they have? Bridges isn't a starting T in this league & neither is big Herm...

4) I want Wells to start at RB also, but I understand too a point why he isn't. Right now THT is a better blocker & receiver in the passing game. Beanie's day is coming...

 

[Mitch]

Might wanna lay off the bottle. This post is full of inaccurate statements.

That is an egregious cheapshot and a violation of the ASFN rules. You should know better. Shame on you.

Don't let this deter you THESMEL. Post your feelings and opinions freely. Others will have you back even if we don't agree with everything.

You owe THESMEL an apology, DHCF. We're all stressed, but that was lame.